Hua Lu, University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Linda Wiratan, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Precisely calibrated timekeepers are found in organisms from all domains of life. Biologists are studying how they influence plant/pathogen interactions – what they learn could lead to human medicines.

Modern agriculture is synonymous with monoculture. That lack of diversity is bad news for plants' natural immune defenses. Researchers are figuring out how to help plants fend off microbes – without pesticides.

Cassava feeds 800 million people - keeping it disease-free is a must.
February 18, 2016